maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers

specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

maximum adjective

Synonyms

• max
• most
• outside

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson expects to produce hundreds of humanoids in 2025 at a facility in Salem, Ore., ramping up to thousands and eventually a maximum of 10,000 annually. —Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2024

Only small scissors with blades at a maximum of four inches from its pivot point are permitted in carry-on luggage. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2024

If convicted as charged, Combs is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2024

Each award can be split among a maximum of three living researchers, but that rule is increasingly constraining as science becomes more collaborative. —Sarah Lewin Frasier, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

: the highest quantity, value, or development

2

: an upper limit allowed

maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

maximum adjective